by Mark Swaine
“But you know, do you not?” pesters Make.
“I have an idea,” sighs Yu-Huang.
Yu-Huang suddenly looks over Mǎkè's shoulder to a games and training area at the end of the hangar and stares peculiarly at a large half-winged, headless model of a dragon fixed atop an iron cylindrical beam welded to an iron base plate.
“What manner of construct is this?” asks Yu-Huang with a quaint smile.
“This is a dragon flight simulator,” says Mǎkè, bobbing his head from side to side with an unsure expression.
Yu-Huang strolls over to the dragon replica layered in brown and green leather scales.
“What is the purpose of this machine?” smiles Yu-Huang.
“The study of all creatures is vital to my creations, most are fairly painless to study in the wild, except dragons, and spiders, and tigers, and big mosquitoes, and lizards, and gorillas,” says Mǎkè, musing upon the collection of scars hidden under his attire. “The machine you see before you is my best effort at a reconstruction of a dragon's body structure. ‘Tis as close as I can manage to capture its movements,” says Make disappointedly.
“Of course, you are not actually a rider. You have never ridden a dragon?” asks Yu-Huang.
“No, my best efforts to study them remain from the ground,” replies Mǎkè.
“May I?” asks Yu-Huang gesturing to the high saddle.
Mǎkè gestures to the ladder leaning against the tall cylindrical pivot and Yu-Huang leaps onto the steady machine in a single bound. The young inventor removes the rail based ladder before rushing to a semi-circular control panel and begins operating a series of levers and circular pressure pads. Suddenly two long sheets of fabric bound between rollers drops from above to hang on both sides of the dragon, with the front ends meeting together to enclose the massive saddle in a curved triangle. Yu-Huang laughs at the inventor’s mad genius and savage attempts at authenticity as he looks at the intricate ink drawings on the two sheets of parchment meeting together.
“Ready?” asks Mǎkè with his hands wrapped around two levers and his foot braced against another ready to push it.
“Ready,” affirms Yu-Huang.
Mǎkè cranks the three levers and the two long parchments recede backwards toward Yu-Huang as the wings of the dragon begin to rise and lower. Steam ejects from the vents on the cylindrical base as it tilts, rises and lowers creating the illusion of flight. The detailed parchments containing white clouds, winding rivers leading to vast blue oceans, grey and brown grassy mountains rush increasingly fast beside Yu-Huang. As the oceanic and mountainous panoramic landscapes dash by him, cold air is blown at its rider by vents on the back of the dragon's neck. As the picturesque view of white clouds appears in view, the control freak shuts a pressure lever and the dragon begins to shake to simulate turbulence.
Mǎkè, wishing to simulate as realistic an experience as possible, remains staid-faced as he slows down one of the side screens whilst leaning the dragon to simulate a sudden turn.
“Hold on tight Master,” shouts Mǎkè as he pulls and pushes two levers simultaneously.
The dragon suddenly spins onto its back to create the illusion of inverted flight and Yu-Huang laughs in delight at the unexpected surprise. Eventually the ride upturns itself and Mǎkè brings the ride to slowing stop. Yu-Huang jumps of the saddle and looks back at the entertaining ride whilst wondering how the people of the territories would react were a few to be situated in the their towns and villages.
“Well, what did you think?” asks Mǎkè with encouragement.
“Amazing, you bring much wonder and joy to this realm,” says Yu-Huang still chuckling.
“Yes, yes, but did it feel real?” asks Mǎkè excitedly whilst holding his clenched fists to his chest.
“‘Tis as close to the real thing as anybody will achieve. Be proud of your invention, for ‘tis a wonder to behold,” says Yu-Huang humbly.
Mǎkè accepts his encouraging words, even though they were not the words he was hoping for. But with a few side shifts of his head and quirky smile he nods gratefully before joining in the Emperor's laughter. As their laughter dies, Mǎkè decides to reveal other matters that he has so far managed to avoid revealing. Mǎkè hopes the Emperor will agree with how ludicrous what more he has to tell him will sound.
“There is more the Black Dragon has revealed to me, about you,” says Mǎkè instantly regretting his admission “I did not believe the Black Dragon's predictions of a coming war... not until the attack. But I brought test armour with me where ever I went, as a precaution,” says Mǎkè.
“What words did the dragon share to cause you such doubt?” asks Yu-Huang.
“The Black Dragon told me you will require an army, he said that you need me... to build you an army,” says Mǎkè.
“Why did you not send word, a message to the Ministry or even a crane? Why did you not seek counsel to inform me of your most recent purpose?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Purpose?” exclaims Mǎkè. “Look around my Emperor, what do you see that could possibly suggest I am capable of commanding or building an army? Until recently 'twas was just I, Húluóbo and my parents: my sister is journeying elsewhere,” says Mǎkè.
“Where are your parents?” asks Yu-Huang, noticing their absence.
“They live upstairs on the roof,” replies Mǎkè.
“Alive?” asks Yu-Huang worriedly.
“Of course,” says Mǎkè in confusion. “They are not made of metal if that is what you are thinking,” says Mǎkè defensively, “not completely,” he adds quietly.
“You said, the Black Dragon said... you could 'build' me an army. Perhaps the Black Dragon was referring to the test armour you successfully manned on the day of the attack?” says Yu-Huang explicitly.
“How am I to complete this task? The mechanical suit was nothing more than a prototype. You would require thousands to arm your men with, how am I to meet such a demand. Besides, I have come to realise my design is flawed,” says Mǎkè.
“Flawed? Why so?” asks Yu-Huang.
“The suit requires more power, and I know not of any alternative power source. Let us not forget I have yet to solve the question of the Black Dragon's wings also,” says Mǎkè.
“Let us speak of this matter another time, you have already done so much,” says Yu-Huang observing Mǎkè release a long yawn. “The wings will wait,”
“You also appear very haggard,” observesMǎkè. “Let me show you to the guest chamber,”
“You have a guest chamber? Forgive me but you do not strike me as a person who appreciates housing guests,” observes Yu-Huang.
“I do not, but the guest chambers present the illusion I enjoy housing guests,” replies Mǎkè.
“To who?” asks Yu-Huang, confused.
“To me, who else?” replies the eccentric man.
Yu-Huang shrugs off Mǎkè's inane reasoning as he escorts him to a room beside the giant hangar casement. Yu-Huang bows to his host in gratitude before closing the screen door behind him. The bed chamber is long with a rectangular tarped opening looking out to the Huanghua territories. Yu-Huang is tired, tired and restless, and even though he feels as though he is idling his time whilst his people suffer, he cannot help but feel that aspects of destiny are taking place right here under his nose. Yu-Huang draws closer to the window of falling rain, and with his senses heightened for the time being, he hears the faint screams of the lost and wounded. He sees the mouths of circling dragons returning from the ocean to drop long mouthfuls of water onto the twisting and climbing fires still ravaging the city. So many lives have been lost muses Yu-Huang solemnly, it did not matter if the green wave of fire defeated the cursed foreign armies, he had still lost. Kamui Li and Chika are right muses Yu-Huang, the attack was twofold, to test my reaction to the first attack, whilst allowing the assassin tribes to carry out the deaths of the various people targeted for unknown reasons. Yu-Huang stares at his distant burning city and refuses to look away so he may wallow in the gruellin
g guilt for all the people he was too weak to save. Wanting so badly to put out the fires spread so vast and dense in the far away cities, towns and countryside, he feels a large swell of divine energy from within. Yu-Huang takes a long deep breath and breathes out, and as he falls into a trance-like state, he watches the distant flames being extinguished by the majestic aid of his lungs.
With the fires out, the city looks hopeless and ruined in the pitch black of night. Yu-Huang smells the smoke on the edge of his nose, and the unwelcome rich after scent of human flesh upon charred wood. Yu-Huang breaks out of his trance as he senses the presence of anger behind him.
“Is it done?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Yes. Ling Long is sleeping,” replies Chika.
“You desire to kill me do you not, assassin?” asks Yu-Huang to the silent unwelcome guest stood behind him.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure. But no, I do not wish you to die, I wish that you suffer,” replies Chika hatefully.
“Why are you here?” asks Yu-Huang bluntly.
Chika, clearly conflicted as to her intentions, takes her hand off the knife fastened to her Saya and stands by the Emperor to look upon the panoramic landscape of darkness, chaos and destruction.
“I do not know why I am here, perhaps you will finally explain the truth of my presence, now that we are alone,” says Chika sternly.
“The Huanghua territories were once a place of peace, a haven for all people who strive to live a life of meaning, and now because of you people... you have destroyed that dream. Does this bring you peace, is this what you wanted?” asks Yu-Huang, looking out to the city shrouded in rising billowing smoke.
“Do you feel desperate Master Yu-Huang, alone, powerless, angry?” asks Chika.
Yu-Huang's hurt eyes look harshly at Chika as his cheek bones tense causing his reflective olive skin to lift and curve at the corners of his jaw.
“That is all I have ever wanted,” says Chika softly, feeling relieved to look upon the Emperor's broken hearted expression, “that look upon your face, ‘tis the look of many who died on the day you denied them your majestic life saving hands,” says Chika.
“It took me some time to remember your face, the last time I saw your face it was looking to the skies and hailing my name. Waiting, hoping I would come to your and your family's rescue. You were much younger then, still only a child,” says Yu-Huang.
“Only now do you remember,” says Chika softly.
“I remember every face that looked upon me that day, screaming for me to come to their aid and swoop them free and clear of the ocean, only of late have their expectant faces began to haunt my dreams,” says Yu-Huang regretfully.
“‘Twas not Yu-Huang the Mighty that pulled me from the deep that day, ‘twas not Yu-Huang the Merciful who sacrificed himself to rescue my siblings, ‘twas a common criminal. An outcast, a murderer, a fraud... ‘twas he who came to my rescue, not you, the so called saviour of men,” says Chika bitterly.
“I saved as many as I could,” says Yu-Huang in self-doubt, “the island was falling apart, piece by piece. The island was ripped apart by the shaking earth, it all happened so fast. I dispatched my entire fleet as soon as I witnessed the signs, and with the wind as my ally I soared ahead, but it was too late. No child should ever fall victim to the chance of death... To the child you once were, I ask your forgiveness,” he asks Yu-Huang gravely.
“Can you forgive my retribution?” asks Chika.
“No, no I cannot,” replies Yu-Huang gravely.
“Then you know what it means to have all hope stripped from your very spirit, and we have said all we need to say on the matter,” says Chika.
“For now, for you have yet to face my retribution. Do not presume our little understanding will grant you special favour, one way or another you will pay for the misdeeds against my people,” says Yu-Huang silently and crossly.
“I bear no love nor grudge for your countrymen, but my service to the dark visitor ensures the safety of my sisters,” replies Chika.
“Foolish girl, the Darkness will have enslaved them the very moment you made bargain with it,” replies Yu-Huang shaking his head in disgrace.
“My service to the Ministers of Darkness is conditional on their safety, besides why would the Darkness see reason to possess two mere mortal girls,” says Chika.
“Collateral, were you not so blinded by your hatred for me, you would have known this already,” says Yu-Huang.
“You lie, you are wrong,” replies Chika.
“I never lie!” growls Yu-Huang. “Speak with Yeman Ren on this matter, he will explain first hand from his own personal experience,” says Yu-Huang curtly.
“You still have not answered my question,” says Chika crossly.
“You are here because your ultimate fate awaits a higher path amongst great warriors, how this is possible I do not know,” sneers Yu-Huang, “but in my dreams you fight for the will of good, in my dreams, your army hails you as... Tsunami,” says Yu-Huang looking into the eyes of a would-be god.
“‘Tis the name given to me by my clan, how do you know of this?” asks Chika.
“You will remain under my guard until I understand the meaning of these visions, now leave me in peace!” barks Yu-Huang.
As Chika leaves Yu-Huang's bed chamber, the Emperor lies back onto the bed and closes his eyes. As his closing eyelids bring about a closing veil of darkness, Yu-Huang is once again confronted by a series of clashing swords and strangely patterned eyes. The final face, layered in a muscular demonic armour, opens his eyes to reveal them bright blue and yellow. Yu-Huang sits awakes and sits up in horror recalling the demon god's name.
“Kamui Li... Raijin help us,” says Yu-Huang, frightened by the revelation.
With the entire residence now fast asleep, Mǎkè takes the opportunity to work undisturbed. As Ling Long slumbers on a chain swinging bed in a small workstation on the mezzanine floor, Mǎkè carefully removes her severed wrist from the bowl of dragon blood and begins the process of attaching the second hand of dragon steel. As the prongs shoot up her wrist, she awakes with a loud scream.
“Now you are ready to play dragon string,” says Mǎkè smiling at the panting woman clenching her wrist.
“Do you not ever sleep?” asks Ling Long.
“Not when there is much work to be done, come,” says Mǎkè.
Ling Long Song follows Mǎkè to the uncluttered centre of the spherical factory floor where he hands her a dragon stringed Guqin.
“You may begin,” says Mǎkè standing some fifty feet away from her.
Ling Long stretches and moves her mechanical fingers in a circular motion before committing them to the Guqin resting on a stand nailed to the ground. Before she attempts to play a song, she first passes her fingers along the strings to test their tune and texture. But as her metal fingernails connect with the dragon string, an electric twanging boom blasts both Mǎke and Ling Long of their feet in opposite directions.
“Oh no,” says Yu-Huang, waking up before rushing out.
As Yu-Huang races to the factory floor, he is soon accompanied by Yeman Ren, Shaozu and Chika. Yu-Huang rushes over to Ling Long sprawled over the railings atop the staircase and he takes her in his arms whilst tapping her cheek repeatedly. Ling Long, bleeding from the ears, eyes and nose, is unresponsive to Yu-Huang's calls and can barely sense her life force. Yu-Huang gives thanks to the Three Pure Ones as he sees his hand instantly glow with a radiant white light, and as he places his hand on her head writhing filaments of energy wrap around her body and penetrate her chest. As Ling Long begins to wake, Yu-Huang gently sets her to her feet before shooting her a glance of disapproval.
“Where is Mǎkè, where is that ignorant fool?” asks Yu-Huang.
A couple of leaves drop from the Bonsai portal as the rustling of branches gives way to a man dropping onto the floor with a solid thud.
“That one hurt,” says Mǎkè with a long groan “Ling Long Song, is she...?”
“Alive?
Yes, no thanks to your ignorance, you should have waited. I tried to warn you, both of you!” shouts Yu-Huang.
“How am I to wield such power, I had no idea,” says Ling Long looking at her hands.
“Yes you did Ling Long, because I warned you! Yet you hailed not my warning, and now I shall be forced to train you,” says Yu-Huang, displeased.
“But first, breakfast,” says Mǎkè.
After breakfast the group prepare to go their separate ways as they stand before the Bonsai portal.
“Shaozu, Chika, I am sending you to the Háo Jiào (Howling) Mountains. Chika, you will train and supervise your assassin kin. Shaozu, you will act as my ambassador to the trolls, observe and report,” commands Yu-Huang.